Cork singer Lyra headlines her first show in Belfast tonight as she takes the next steps on a meteoric rise in the music business.

ince launching her career six years ago, the musician has featured her songs on the hit TV series Grey’s Anatomy and Love Island, as well as a series of major brand advertising campaigns.

The entertainer, whose real name is Laura McNamara, returns to Northern Ireland tonight to perform at Limelight after previous stints in supporting roles.

She told the Belfast Telegraph: “I’ve performed in Belfast three times now, but never as a lead actor, so this is my first time headlining which I’m so excited about.

“I supported Dermot Kennedy, James Arthur and Jess Glynne. With Dermot I played Limelight and loved it. It’s such a cool venue so I’m excited to be back there as an actor major.

Lyra has found her music reaching global markets since bursting onto the scene releasing her own tracks in the summer of 2016; his songs have been used in global advertising campaigns for VanMoof, Guinness and Disney+.

She said, “I’ve been performing since God was a boy. I always remembered having played. I think I only started taking it seriously when I self-released my first EP, WILD.

“I think, for the small amount of music I have, I’ve been very lucky to have managed to accomplish a lot with just these select few songs.

“So I can’t wait to see what’s next, because I have so much music ready to go and this is the first time I’ve been so excited about my future. I can’t wait to see where I’m going, for be honest with you, and next year is going to be a very busy year.

Paralyzed by the pandemic like everyone else, Lyra had just finished her first tour when it hit and had to put her plans on hold.

But the 29-year-old’s mix of Celtic pop and hauntingly powerful ballads caught the eye of Riverdance’s Bill Whelan.

An offer to write music for a Netflix animated adaptation of the dance show has been a godsend for her during the lockdown.

Lyra added, “It kept me really busy and I was also writing outside of my comfort zone, which was really interesting.”

She was also chosen by RTE to ring in New Years Eve 2021 and 2022 with her songs New Day and We Are Beautiful.

But now she is eager to return to the live stage, starting tonight in Belfast at Limelight 2.

Tickets available from Ticketmaster; doors open at 7 p.m.